SkyGlowNet: Multi-Disciplinary Independent Student Research in Environmental Light at Night Monitoring
Abstract
SkyGlowNet uses Internet-enabled sky brightness meters (iSBM) to monitor sky brightness over school sites. The data are used professionally and in STEM outreach to study natural and artificial sources of sky brightness, light pollution, energy efficiency, and environmental and health impacts of artificial night lighting. The iSBM units are owned by participating institutions and managed by faculty or students via proprietary Internet links. Student data are embargoed for two semesters to allow
students to analyze data and publish results, then they are moved to a common area where students from different institutions can collaborate. The iSBM units can be set
to operate automatically each night. Their data include time, sky brightness, weather conditions, and other related parameters. The data stream can be viewed and processed online or downloaded for study. SkyGlowNet is a unique, multi-disciplinary, real science program aiding research for science and non-science students.
Western Research Company, Inc. | STEM Laboratory, Inc. | Colorado State University | Manzanita School, Tucson, Arizona | North Carolina A&T State University
Book Title
Ensuring STEM Literacy: a National Conference on STEM Education and Public Outreach
